Sealed Sources and Devices

NRC and the Agreement States perform engineering and radiation safety evaluations of the ability of sealed sources and devices to safely contain radioactivity under the conditions of their possession and use. These evaluations are summarized in registrations that NRC maintains in the National Sealed Source and Device Registry (NSSDR). The registration certificates contain detailed information on the sources and devices, such as how they are permitted to be distributed and possessed (specific license, general license, or exempt), design and function, radiation safety, and limitations on use.

Both the NRC and Agreement States issue registration certificates for distributors and manufacturers within their jurisdiction. However, only the NRC is responsible for devices distributed as exempt products (i.e., smoke detectors, gun sights, etc.) and issues those registration certificates.